Thanks to new technology from Bobcat, mini excavator operators can now customise Auxiliary Control Patterns
With any new attachment or application an operator will often need time to get used to new working modes and machine customisation. With the introduction of Bobcat’s Advanced Selectable Auxiliary Control (A-SAC) System, however, when using hydraulic attachments drivers can now customise control patterns of auxiliary hydraulic circuits on its excavators, depending on their set-up preferences.
The manufacturer introduced its original Selectable Auxiliary Control (SAC) system with the launch of the R-Series mini-excavators in 2018. The unique solution is operated by using the push buttons conveniently located on top of each of the joysticks. Used in combination with the SAC switch on the control panel, the operator can select one of seven pre-set control pattern combinations that allow them to keep their hands on the joysticks when carrying out their work.
A-SAC – Advanced Selectable Auxiliary Control
“We developed the A-SAC system to further enhance the original SAC functionality by allowing the operator to adjust the speed of each function,” explains Robert Husar, the product line manager for mini-excavators at Bobcat. “Using the A-SAC system, the operator can easily customize the settings for up to seven different attachments or applications. This improves performance and precision when using specific attachments.”
The A-SAC system will be available as an optional feature for current and future Bobcat R-series excavators, and is also retrofittable on all Bobcat R-Series excavators from 2 – 4 tonne.
So just how would the A-SAC system work in practice? For sorting grapple operations, for example, the operator can choose to have tilt (AUX4) and rotate (AUX2) functions combined on the left hand joystick, with the opening/closing function (AUX1) remaining independent on the right hand joystick. With the A-SAC system, the operator can adjust the speed of each of these functions individually to suit particular jobs, or their skill levels. When moving on to a different job with the same attachment, the operator can easily switch to a different setting that they will have predefined.
The R-Series mini-excavators tonne comprise five compact excavator models – the E26, E27z, E27, E34 and E35z. Across the range the manufacturer is promising enhanced visibility, high digging forces, stability and smooth controllability of working functions, complemented by low weights for easy transportation.
In addition, the new excavators utilise newly developed flexible machine platforms that allow different configurations of models and specifications to suit a wide range of applications and customer needs. In addition, the development team has equally focused on operator comfort and additional functionality.
